Eating Seasonally
Today I started another adventure: making deliveries for Seasonal Roots, an online farmers market where you can enjoy a weekly custom box of fresh local produce, unique artisan goods, and more, delivered right to your doorstep. Not only do you benefit from eating fresh, healthy produce, but you are also supporting your local farmers and reducing the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances. It’s a win-win!
My friend introduced this idea to me. She’s been driving for Seasonal Roots for a while but has to give up her route to focus on her new business. So, I jumped at the chance to take her place! (Well, I could never truly take her place, but I can drive her route.) I don’t do it for the money; in fact, I only drive once a week for about an hour. But I get to personally deliver wellness and happiness right to your doorstep—and that makes me happy!
As a nutrition coach, I’m always encouraging people to eat more veggies, choose whole foods, and cook at home. This side gig is another way for me to help ensure you and I are filling our bodies with what they need most: good nutrition. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that I’m playing a small part in connecting people with nutrient-rich, seasonal foods.
The concept behind eating seasonally isn’t new. In fact, it used to be the only way to eat. Before the era of global transportation and cold storage, people ate what was grown locally, in season. Nowadays, it’s easy to find strawberries in December or asparagus in September, but eating seasonally offers unique benefits that are worth embracing.
Why Eat Seasonally?
Flavor and Nutrition: Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak ripeness, which means it’s fresher, tastier, and more nutrient-dense. Those juicy summer peaches or crisp fall apples are at their best when eaten in season.
Support Local Farmers: By choosing seasonal, locally grown food, you’re directly supporting farmers in your community. This strengthens the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce from faraway places.
Cost-Effective: Seasonal produce is often more affordable because it’s abundant and doesn’t require expensive storage or transportation. You can eat well and save money at the same time.
Sustainability: Eating seasonally encourages sustainable farming practices and reduces the environmental impact of food production.
Connection to Nature: By eating with the seasons, you’re more in tune with nature’s cycles. It’s a way to celebrate the changing seasons and enjoy variety in your diet throughout the year.
Tips for Eating Seasonally
Get to Know What’s in Season: Check out guides like the winter eating guide from Seasonal Roots to see what’s available in your area.
Plan Your Meals: Incorporate seasonal produce into your weekly meal planning to make the most of what’s fresh and available.
Shop Local: Farmers markets, online markets like Seasonal Roots, and local co-ops are great places to find seasonal produce.
Preserve the Harvest: If you find yourself with an abundance of seasonal produce, consider freezing, canning, or fermenting to enjoy it later.
Eating seasonally isn’t just a healthful choice; it’s a meaningful way to support your community, reduce your carbon footprint, and protect the planet. Plus, it’s delicious! I’m excited to be part of this journey with Seasonal Roots and to share the joy of fresh, local food with my community.
What seasonal produce are you excited to try this winter? Let’s keep our bodies and communities nourished, one bite at a time.
If you are interested in joining the Seasonal Roots community, use Promo Code: EATLOCAL748
